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Definition of brainwashing

brainwashing

/ˈbreɪnˌwɑːʃɪŋ/
brain · wash · ing
Plural:brainwashings
•
Adjective:brainwashed
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brainwashing Lexical Profile

brainwashing Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The process of pressuring someone into adopting radically different beliefs by using systematic and often forcible means.

Example

"The documentary examined how isolated cults use psychological manipulation and brainwashing to control their members."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Nearby Words

brainteaser
brainwash
brainwasher
brainwashing
brainwave
brainwork
brainworks

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in 1950 by American journalist Edward Hunter as a calque of the Chinese phrase 'xǐ nǎo' (literally 'wash brain'), originally used to describe coercive ideological re-education techniques employed during the Korean War.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Brainwashing. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/brainwashing
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